Emiliano Martinez’s Stunning Penalty Saves Secure Argentina’s 4-2 Shootout Victory Over Ecuador, Shielding Messi from Disappointment

Lionel Messi owed a debt of gratitude to his goalkeeper as Argentina nearly fell but ultimately advanced to the Copa America semi-finals.

Once again, Emiliano Martinez emerged as the savior in the penalty shootout, leading Argentina past Ecuador despite Messi’s miss with a Panenka.

At NRG Stadium, the champs faced a tense match when Kevin Rodriguez’s stoppage-time goal offset Lisandro Martinez’s earlier header, sending the match into penalties.

With Messi returning from a hamstring injury, he fluffed his initial penalty. Yet, Emiliano Martinez, pivotal in Argentina’s World Cup victory last year, blocked shots from Angel Mena and Alan Minda, setting the stage for Nicolas Otamendi’s clincher.

Felix Sanchez’s Ecuador entered the fray having not scored in a Copa quarter-final since ’97. They started strong in Houston.

Cristian Romero narrowly prevented Moises Caicedo from shooting. Emiliano Martinez then thwarted Jeremy Sarmiento from a sharp angle.

A crucial lead was captured at the 35th minute when Alexis Mac Allister diverted Messi’s corner to Lisandro Martinez, who nodded it home unchallenged.

Ecuador had a chance to level post-handball call against Rodrigo De Paul. However, Enner Valencia’s penalty clanged off the post, misleading the Argentine goalie.

The plot twisted late when Rodriguez met John Yeboah’s cross head-on, propelling the ball into the net. Jordy Caicedo’s last-second header nearly completed an astounding comeback.

The shootout commenced with Messi hitting the bar, but Emiliano Martinez heroically shifted the tide for Argentina, enabling a narrow escape.

Champions barely advance

Argentina, barely holding their title, are through to the semifinals.

Lisandro Martinez’s timely header marked his first senior international score and a rare defender’s goal for Argentina in the Copa since Victor Cuesta.

Emiliano Martinez almost notched another shutout, aiming to match Sergio Romero’s record, but Rodriguez disrupted those plans with his startling equalizer.

Despite Messi’s penalty woes, including his 2016 Copa America final miss, his goalkeeper rescued him with two pivotal saves ensuring victory.

Ecuador’s curse endures as they falter again

Ecuador faced the uphill task of overturning a dismal record against Argentina in the Copa, where they previously lost 11 out of 16.

Even outshooting their rivals early on, Valencia’s missed penalty symbolized missed opportunities as their semi-final aspirations slipped away yet again.

Despite the setback, Sanchez’s squad made their mark, with Kendry Paez becoming the youngest ever in a Copa America quarter-final at 17 years and 61 days.

The text provides a detailed recount of Argentina’s nail-biting progression in the Copa America, hinging on Emiliano Martinez’s goalkeeping heroics and Messi’s mixed fortunes in the penalty shootout.